Portable bank



Dec. 25, 1962 P. NEMSKY 3,070,290

' PORTABLE BANK Filed Feb. 16, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVEN TOR. pH/L A/IMJK) P. NEMSKY PORTABLE BANK Dec. 25, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 16, 1962 INVENTOR. PH/L/P NIMJ'LY wfitzawgm 3,070,290 Patented Dec. 25, 19 62 ice 3,070,290 PORTABLE BANK Philip Nemshy, 1597 26th Ave, San Francisco, Calif- Filed Feb. 16, 1962, Ser. No. 173,706 Claims. (Cl. 232-4) This invention relates to a portable bank and, more particularly, to a portable bank which may be locked by combination lock means.

Generally, portable banks of the types used as a depository for the accumulation of coins, particularly in the home, are either of the type which must be locked and unlocked by means of a key 'or have no access means and must be destroyed in order to gain access to the contents. Where keys are required for such banks, they are easily lost or misplaced and, in any event the locks are generally so simple and primitive in construction that the bank may be opened by any number of makeshift devices, such as a hairpin, penknife or the like. Moreover, it is not feasible to provide a more expensive and secure lock because coin banks, as a general rule, are not used for storing substantial sums and are generally marketable only as low cost items. Consequently, such banks are generally provided with a locking device that is either ineffective or must be destroyed in order to open them.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a portable bank which is inexpensive to manufacture but which has a secure, dependable locking device.

t is a further object of this invention to provide an inexpensive portable bank which may be opened by operation of a combination lock device.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an inexpensive portable bank having a combination lock device including features which render the lock resistant to tampering or unauthorized operation.

In carrying out this invention, I provide a bank having a hollow coin container which preferably is cylindrical in shape. The coin container has an open bottom or one which may be opened readily and is secured onto a platform by operation of a turning connection, such as a bayonet slot. When the coin container is secured onto the platform, radial lugs extending outwardly from the container engage in slots or tracks on the base member support for the platform. When the coin container and platform are depressed to a retracted position the engagement of the radial lugs in the slots prevents the coin container from being turned on the platform and, hence, the bayonet slot or similar connection cannot be broken. Suitable latch means engage the platform when it is fully depressed to hold it in such retracted position. Extending outwardly from the platform is a plurality of lock plates each of which has a slot extending in a selected radial direction. Each of a series of vertical shafts rotatably mounted on the base carries a radial lug which is engaged by one of the lock plates and return of the platform to the elevated position is prevented except when all of the shafts with radial lugs are turned to the positions bringing each of the radial lugs into alignment with the slot in its associated lock plate. In this condition the lock plates can move along the shaft and, therefore, the platform can be extended. As an additional safety feature, when the platform is retracted, it is held by the latch means in a position whereby the lock plates are spaced axially from the stop lugs so that the stop lug shafts can be turned freely. Radial blocking members on each stop plate prevent the shaft from turning when the lock plate is in engagement with a stop lug. Thus, an unauthorized person may not release the latches and turn the shafts until he can feel engagement of a stop lug in the slot.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the description following when read in connection with the drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the portable bank of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a section view taken along line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are section views taken along lines 33, 44 and 55, respectively, of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevation view of a portion of the bank embodying features of this invention.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, the portable bank of this invention comprises a hollow coin container 2 and a base member 4 to which it is releasably secured. As shown, the bank may be formed in a configuration of a rocket vehicle assembly with the hollow coin container simulating the last stage of the rocket assembly in the nose cone of which 6 is provided a slot 8 for deposit of coins. The lower end of the coin container may be open and the container is of a cross-sectional size and shape to be received freely within a complementary opening 11 in the base member in the generally cylindrical body 10 of the base member 4. A platform 12 is mounted on the base for vertical reciprocal movement within the cylindrical opening 11 and may be secured as shown in FIG. 2 in its lowered or retracted position within the base portion 4 by means of suitable latch members 14 which extend through openings 16 on latch extensions 18 carried on the lower portion of the platform 12. The latch members 14 are mounted on and extend upwardly from a latch plate 2% which is mounted on the base 4 for limited rotational movement about a bearing 22, the rotational movement being restricted by engagement of handle extensions 24 through slots 26 (FIGS. 2 and 3) in the base iii. Suitable resilient means, such as springs 28 bias the latch plate in a direction normally to hold the latch members 14 in engagement against the latch extensions but can, of course, yield in order to permit it to be rotated or cammed out of engagement. Cam surfaces on the latch members 14 are engaged by the latch extensions 18 when the platform is depressed to rotate the latch plate a sufi'icient amount to permit entry of the latch members 14 into the slots 16 in the latch plate and the springs 28 rotate the latch plate 2i) into engagement under the latch member 14. Then, when the handle extensions 24 are turned to release the latch members 14 by aligning them fully with the openings 16, a compression spring 30 biases the platform 12 upwardly to its extended position.

An upwardly extending closure member or plug 32 is provided at the upper portion of the platform 12 as a, coupling device for attachment of the open lower end of the coin container 2. In the form illustrated, the upper portion is constructed as a plug which is of a size and shape to fit within the opening, but it is to be understood that the container 2 can be secured to the platform 12 simply in surface to surface engagement. In fact, the platform need not function as a closure member but there may be provided on the coin container 2 a separate door or the like which can be opened only when the coin container is released from the platform. In any event, a rotary connector element, such as a series of bayonet slots 34 (FIG. 6) are provided around the closure member 32 to be engaged by a complementary series of inwardly extending radial lugs 36 on the inner surface of the coin container 2 in order to secure it securely to the platform. In the structure shown, this also closes the open end of the container. When the bayonet 7 joint is fully connected, a series of outwardly extending radial lugs 38 are brought into alignment with a complementary series of radial tracks or slots 40 in the cylindrical interior surface 11 of the base member 10. Thus, when the coin container 2 is depressed within the opening it in the base, with the lugs 38 engaged in the tracks or slots 40, rotation of the coin container on the platform 12 is prevented, and hence the bayonet slct connection may not be released. While the particular bayonet slot connection is preferred, it is to be understood that other types of connections which require rotary movement of the coin container, as for example, a simple thread connection, may be substituted. In operating the bank, the coin container is placed on the platform to engage bayonet slot connection and thereby insert the closure portion 32 of the platform 12 into the container. Then, when the coin container is twisted to complete the connection the upward radial lugs are in alignment with the radail slots 49 on the base to permit the coin container and platform to be forced into the base until the latch members 14 engage'the latch extensions and hold the platform in fully retracted position. Thereafter, engagement of the outwardly extending lugs within the slots 40 prevent rotation of the coin container 2 and, hence, the bayonet slot connection cannot be released.

As a particular feature of the coin bank of this invention, there is provided a combination lock mechanism for preventing the platform from being extended under the force of the compression spring even though the latches 14 are released. Specifically, this combination lock mechanism prevents the platform from being extended to free the coin container 2 from the base 4, thus conditioning it for release of the bayonet slot connection. Spaced around the base member is a series of lateral extensions constituting ways or tracks 42 which in the form shown are preferably of cylindrical configuration. Each of the cylindrical lateral extensions has an opening 44 in communication with the cylindrical opening 11 in the base 10, and a corresponding series of circular lock plates 46 extend from the platform 12 to travel up and down with the platform within the laterally extending ways 42. In the form illustrated the lock plates or discs 46 extend from the latch plate 20. Rotatably mounted within each of the cylindrical ways and extending coaxial thereof is a shaft 48 on one end of which is carried a knob 50 by means of which the shaft may be turned manually. The knob or dial 50 includes a suitable visual indicator such as a window 52 through which indicia 53 (FIG. 1) at the top of the cylinder may be read whereby the knob may be turned to any of several specifically selected angular positions. Each lock plate 46 includes a radial slot through it which extends outwardly from a central location wherein the rotatable shaft 48 is received. The radial slot on each lock plate is disposed in one of a selected number of radial directions according to the particular combination selected for the portable bank, as will be described. In association with the radial slot in each lock plate 4 a radial stop member or lug 56 is extended from each shaft 43, the radial slot 54 being of a size and shape to permit the lock plate 46 to pass freely along the shaft and stop member when, and only when, the stop memher and radial slot are in radial alignment. However, when the shaft is disposed in any position other than that in which the stop lug is in radial alignment with the slot in the stop plate, elevation of the platform to its release position clear of the base 4 is prevented, even though the latch 14 is released. During construction of the portable bank, the slots and stop lugs may be disposed in any desired combination of positions so that only rotation of the control knobs 50 to the proper combination of angular positions will permit elevation of the platform 12 and hence removal of the coin container 2.

As a further precaution against unauthorized operation of the combination device, a series of radial blocking members 58 may be provided on the upper face of each lock plate 46 to prevent rotation of the shaft when the lock plates are in engagement with the stop lugs 56 as the latch members are released. Thus, one is prevented from releasing the latch devices 14 and twisting each knob 50 separately until he feels engagement of the stop lug in the accommodating slot.

While the preferred embodiment of this invention has been described, it is apparent that modification in the form and construction thereof may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed as invention is:

1. A security storage device comprising a base member,

a container releasably connected to said base member,

a closure member mounted on said base member for reciprocal movement between first and second positions,

said closure member being conditioned when in said second position to release the connection between said conatiner and said base member,

at least two shafts rotatable on said base member with the axes thereof parallel to the path of said reciprocal movement,

a radial stop lug on each of said shafts rotatable therewith selectively to a plurality of angular dispositions,

at least two lock plates on said closure member,

a radial slot through each of said lock plates of a size and shape to permit passage of a shaft and radial stop lug therethrough, each of said radial slots being in one of said angular dispositions,

said stop lugs being engageable with said lock plates to hold said closure member in said first position, and

resilient means urging said closure member to said second position.

2. A security storage device comprising a base member,

a closure member mounted on said base member for reciprocal movement between a retracted position within said base member and an extended position,

a container releasably secured on said closure member,

means on said base member locking said container onto said closure member when said closure member is in said retracted position,

at least two closed trackways on said base member,

a rotatable shaft extending along each of said ways with the axis thereof parallel to the path of reciprocal movement of said closure member,

at least two lock plates on said closure member, each movable in one of said ways,

a radial stop lug on each of said shafts rotatable therewith selectively to a plurality of angular positions,

a radial slot through each of said lock plates of a size and shape to permit passage of a shaft and radial stop lug therethrough,

each of said radial slots being in a selected one of said angular positions,

said stop lugs being engageable with said lock plates to hold said closure member in said retracted position, and

resilient means urging said closure member to said extended position,

3. A security storage device comprising a base member,

a latch platform mounted on said base member for reciprocal movement between a retracted position within said base member and an extended position,

an upwardly extending closure member on said platform,

an open bottom container releasably mounted on said platform with the bottom thereof engaging said closure member,

means on said base member preventing release of the mounting of said container on said platform when said platform is in said retracted position,

at least two closed compartments on said base memher,

a rotatable shaft in each of said compartments with the axis thereof parallel to the path of reciprocal movement of said platform,

at least two lock plates on said platform, each axially movable along one of said shafts,

a radial stop lug on each of said shafts rotatable therewith selectively to a plurality of angular positions,

a radial slot through each of said lock plates of a size and shape to permit passage of a radial stop lug therethrough,

each of said radial slots being in a selected one of said angular dispositions,

said stop lugs being engageable with said lock plates to hold said platform in said retracted position, and

resilient means urging said platform to said extended position.

4. A security storage device comprising a base member,

a latch platform mounted on said base member for reciprocal movement between a retracted position within said base member and an extended position, a container releasably mounted on said platform.

lock means on said base preventing release of the mounting of said container on said platform when said platform is in said retracted position and conditioning said mounting for release when said platform is in said extended position,

at least two cylinders spaced around said base member with the axes thereof parallel to the path of reciprocal movement of said platform,

at least two lock plates on said platform, each axially movable in one of said cylinders,

a coaxial shaft rotatable in each of said cylinders,

a central opening in each of said lock plates receiving one of said shafts,

a radial stop lug on each of said rotatable shafts,

a slot through each of said lock plates extending radially from said opening,

each of said radial slots being in a selected angular position and being of a size and shape to permit passage of a radial stop lug therethrough,

said stop lugs being engageable with said lock plates to hold said platform in said retracted position, and

resilient means urging said platform to said extended position.

5. A security storage device comprising a base member,

a latch platform mounted on said base member for reciprocal movement between a retracted position within said base member and an extended position,

a container releasably mounted on said platform,

the releasable mounting of said container on said platform being affected by relative rotational movement,

lock means on said base securing said container against rotation on said platform when said platform is in said retracted position,

at least two cylinders spaced around said base member with the axes thereof parallel to the path of reciprocal movement of said platform,

at least two lock plates on said platform, each axially movable in one of said cylinders,

a coaxial shaft rotatable in each of said cylinders,

a central opening in each of said lock plates receiving one of said shafts,

a radial stop lug on each of said rotatable shafts,

a slot through each of said lock plates extending radially from said opening,

each of said radial slots being in a selected angular position and being of a size and shape to permit passage of a radial stop lug therethrough,

said stop lugs being engageable with said lock plates to hold said platform in said retracted position, and

resilient means urging said platform to said extended position.

6. A security storage device comprising a base member,

a container releasably secured on said base member,

a latch platform mounted on said base member for reciprocal movement between first and second positions,

at least two track ways on said base member disposed parallel to the direction of said reciprocal movement,

at least two traversing members on said platform,

one of said traversing members being longitudinally movable in each of said tracks,

a stop lug and a stop plate assocated with each of said tracks,

said stop plate having a slot therein permitting free passage of a stop lug therethrough,

each of said stop plate and stop lug being carried on one of the track and traversing member associated therewith,

one of said stop plate and stop lug being movable through a series of selected positions transverse of said track,

the other of said stop plate and stop lug being fixed in one of said positions transverse of said track,

said stop plate and stop lugs being engageable to hold said platform in said first position, and

resilient means urging said platform to said second position.

7. A security storage device comprising a base member,

a container releasably secured on said base member, a latch platform mounted on said base member for reciprocal movement between first and second positions,

at least two traversable ways on said base member parallel to the path of said reciprocal movement,

at least two stop plates on said platform,

one of said stop plates being longitudinally movable in each of said ways,

a stop lug mounted on each of said ways for movement through a series of selected positions transverse thereof,

each of said stop plates having a slot therein permitting free passage of a stop lug therethrough,

the slot in each of said stop plates being in one of said selected positions transverse of said way,

said stop plate and stop lugs being engageable to hold said platform in said first position, and

resilient means urging said platform to said second position.

8. A security storage device comprising a base member,

a closure member mounted on said base member for reciprocal movement between first and second positions,

a container releasably secured on said closure member,

at least two ways on said base member parallel to the path of said reciprocal movement,

at least two lock plates on said closure member,

one of said lock plates being longitudinally movable in each of said ways,

a stop member rotatably mounted on said base member to be moved through a series of selected radial positions in each of said ways,

each of said lock plates having a slot therein permitting free passage of a stop member therethrough,

the slot in each of said lock plates being in one of said selected radial positions,

said lock plate and stop members being engageable to hold said closure member in said first position, and

resilient means urging said closure member to said second position.

9. A security storage device comprising a base member,

a closure member mounted on said base member for reciprocal movement between a fully retracted position within said base member and an extended position,

a container releasably secured on said closure member,

means on said base member locking said container onto said closure member when said closure member is retracted from said extended position,

latch means operative to hold said closure member in said fully retracted position,

at least two closed travel ways on said base member,

a rotatable shaft extending along each of said ways with the axis thereof parallel to the path of reciprocal movement of said closure member,

at least two lock plates on said closure member, each movable in one of said ways,

a radial stop lug on each of said shafts rotatable therewith selectively to a plurality of angular positions,

a radial slot through each of said lock plates in a selected one of said angular positions,

each of said radial slots being of a size and shape to permit passage of said lock plate along a shaft and radial stop lug when said slot and stop lug are radially aligned,

resilient means urging said closure member to said extended position.

ll). The security storage device defined in claim 9 wherein said stop lugs are axially spaced from said lock plates when said latch means are engaged, and including blocking members on said lock plates preventing rotation of said shafts when said lock plates are in engagement with said stop lugs.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 250,851 Stranders Dec. 13, 1881 893,249 Smith Oct. 31, 1905 1,817,221 Young Aug. 4, 1931 

